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Scholarships
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Scholarships
Colorado scholarships: Free money for students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for Colorado
6 days left!
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
ASM Global Stars Scholarship Program
Due: 3/25/26
$2,500
As the world's leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences, ASM Global is offering the ASM Global Stars Scholarship Program, which reflects the commitment to providing diverse and under-resourced communities with educational and career development opportunities through scholarship awards and prospective internships. Applicants must self-identify as one or more of the following: Female (any race/ethnicity), Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Applicants must also be high school seniors or graduates, or current undergraduate students residing in the United States. They must be pursuing a degree in either Business/International Business (Marketing, Information Systems, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources); Hospitality, Entertainment, Sports Management; Communications, Public Relations, Digital Media; Information Technology; or Graphic Design. Applicants must also reside within 25 miles in one of the eligible cities. Two will be granted to students who reside or attend a school in Kent County, Michigan; and two awards will be granted to students who reside within 25 miles of New Orleans, LA. If qualified applications are received, preference will be given to applicants who are first-generation college students. Employees of ASM Global, ASM Global Acts Foundation, or their affiliates, and children of those employees, are not eligible. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
7 days left!
Apply now
State Line Grant
Due: 4/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$2,500
The State Line Grant is open to high school or home school students from Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma. Students may contact their admissions counselor for more information.
10 days left!
Apply now
The Alexander Foundation Scholarships
Due: 4/4/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$3,000
Scholarships awarded from The Alexander Foundation provide financial assistance to those seeking a higher education degree from an accredited institution in the State of Colorado. Selection for awards are based on merit, need, and service to the LGBTQ+ community. Applicants must be pursuing a higher education degree within Colorado. However, exceptions may be made in certain instances. If you would like to apply for an exception, please elaborate in your personal essay. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Alfred Camp Memorial Scholarship
Due: 4/11/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Alfred Camp Memorial Scholarship is open to Colorado resident students at any class level with any major considered. Preference but not limited to Spanish American descent.
CDM Constructors Inc. Workforce Development Scholarship
Due: 4/18/26
$5,000
CDM Smith has established a scholarship program to assist students who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. Applicants to the CDM Constructors Inc. Workforce Development Scholarship must be a high school seniors or graduates, or current postsecondary undergraduates, who plan to enroll in an eligible undergraduate program at an accredited two-year college or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year. Certification programs must be through an accredited institution and must run on a standard academic semester calendar. Certification programs must be a minimum of one semester/term in length and recipients must be enrolled at the time awards are disbursed in August. Applicants must reside or attend school in one the eligible states. Eligible majors are Electrical, Automation, Instrumentation and Controls, Cybersecurity, or related discipline. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Colorado Women's Education Foundation Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
|No min. GPA Required
Varies
CWEF's mission is to invest in women who are transforming their lives through education for themselves, their families, and their communities. Applicants must be a resident of Colorado or reside in Colorado while earning their certification or degree. Applicants must have enrolled in or already attending an accredited educational institution of higher learning or vocational training (earning a certification, or associates, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree). Eligible applicants will need to demonstrate financial need, academic ability, leadership skills, career goals, and community involvement. A resume is highly recommended, but not required. Applicants must submit two recommendations from two individuals, they must be unrelated to the applicants (not family). Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Winifred R. Reynolds Educational Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Winifred R. Reynolds Education Scholarship supports students pursuing master's or doctorate degrees focused on early childhood education (ECE), Child Development, or an equivalent field with coursework focused specifically on ECE. Applicants must be a current resident of Colorado or have been a resident of Colorado or California for at least 2 years before the start of the upcoming academic year. Students who are just starting their graduate work should have a strong undergraduate academic record. Renewal is not automatic for this award, however, previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply for consideration. An individual can receive a scholarship from this fund for a maximum of three years. Applicants must submit two essays and one academic or personal reference. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Daniels Scholarship Program
Due: 10/17/26
$25,000
The Daniels Scholarship Program helps make college possible for motivated and ambitious students. Daniels Scholars are selected because they embody the criteria Bill Daniels defined for the program: strength of character; leadership potential; commitment to serving their communities; academic performance or promise; well-rounded personality; and emotional maturity and stability. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior; earn a minimum SAT Math score of 490 and a minimum Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 490, or a minimum ACT score of 18 in each category (writing score not required); and meet the financial need requirements. Daniels Scholars may attend any two-year or four-year, nonprofit, accredited college or university in the United States. Scholars must intend to complete a bachelor's degree, and those starting at a two-year college must be on a path to earning a bachelor's degree. Daniels Scholarships may not be used at technical or trade schools, or for participation in certificate programs. The Daniels Scholarship, along with generous contributions from partner schools, covers the full cost of attendance (COA) at partner schools within Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Scholars that choose to attend a school outside our 4-state region receive up to $25,000 a year for qualified educational expenses. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Boettcher Foundation Scholarship
Due: 11/1/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
$20,000
The Boettcher Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for Colorado high school seniors that is awarded in partnership with our state's four year, nonprofit institutions of higher education. At Boettcher we define merit to mean superior scholastic ability/intellectual curiosity, leadership, service, character, and more. The comprehensive scholarship program has two models: Cost of Attendance and Tuition and Fees. Students are eligible to apply if they are a graduating Colorado high school senior who has lived in Colorado for their full junior and senior years of high school. They must apply during the fall of what is their final year of high school, even if they are considering taking a gap year after graduation. Applicants must also be a citizen, legal permanent resident, or lawfully present (including through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in the United States or meet the requirements and have applied or started the process of applying for citizenship, legal status or lawful presence. Scholars may receive the scholarship for four years. Semifinalists are required to submit two letters of recommendation. Finalists will be notified via email and will be interviewed in March. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Key things to know about Colorado scholarships
- Colorado scholarships are free money for school. They can help cover tuition, fees, books, and other education costs without needing to be repaid.
- There are options beyond freshman year. Colorado scholarships can support high school seniors, current college students, transfer students, and adult learners.
- You can often stack awards. Many students combine state programs, aid from their school, and private scholarships to reduce total costs.
- Grades aren't the only path. Some scholarships use GPA or test scores, but others look at leadership, service, identity, major, or financial need.
- Consistency pays off. Applying for a few scholarships each month can add up to major savings over time.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. That's why maximizing free money you don't have to pay back—like scholarships and grants—should be part of your funding plan. If you live in Colorado, you have access to scholarships created specifically with Colorado students in mind.
The time you spend applying for Colorado scholarships can make a big difference. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you are in high school, already in college, or heading back to the classroom after time away, scholarships can help you reduce what you pay out of pocket or borrow.
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What are Colorado scholarships?
Colorado scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, career training, or other eligible education programs. These awards can come from many different places, including colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, local foundations, employers, and community organizations.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds do not need to be repaid. While some awards are based on grades or test scores, many Colorado scholarships also consider factors like:
- Community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
- Your intended major, field of study, or career interests
- Colorado residency or a particular city, county, or region
- Identity-based criteria or connection to a specific community
- Career and technical education or workforce training pathways
- Artistic, athletic, or technical talents
Because eligibility can vary widely, students with many different backgrounds and goals can find Colorado scholarships that fit.
What scholarships are available for Colorado students?
Most students have better results when they apply to multiple types of aid at once—state programs, local awards, and private scholarships. Colorado scholarships generally fall into a few broad groups: awards from colleges, local and community-based scholarships, and private or employer-sponsored programs.
To explore options that match your background, interests, and goals, you can use tools like Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities in Colorado and across the country.
Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF)
The Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF) provides a per-credit-hour stipend that eligible Colorado residents can apply toward tuition at participating Colorado colleges and universities. Students typically confirm eligibility and authorize the stipend through their school, so it helps to review your student portal and financial aid checklist early.
Because COF rules can vary by school and term, confirm how your institution applies the stipend and whether there are any timing steps before registration.
Colorado Promise
Colorado Promise can help reduce or cover tuition for eligible students, often through participating institutions or statewide initiatives tied to income and enrollment requirements. These programs may be especially helpful for students pursuing certificates, associate degrees, or workforce-focused pathways.
If you are unsure whether your school participates, ask your financial aid office what Promise funding is available and what forms—like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)—are required.
Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
The Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship supports eligible students pursuing higher education, often with a focus on Colorado students from historically underserved backgrounds. Awards may consider academics, leadership, service, and long-term goals.
Deadlines and eligibility criteria can change year to year, so review requirements early and prepare references and essays ahead of time.
Colorado Masons’ Benevolent Fund Scholarship
The Colorado Masons’ Benevolent Fund Scholarship is a private scholarship opportunity that may provide substantial support for qualifying Colorado students. Because larger awards can be more competitive, it helps to apply early and submit a complete, well-documented application.
If a current deadline is not listed for the cycle you are applying in, check the sponsoring organization’s updates or contact them directly for timing.
Denver Foundation Scholarships
The Denver Foundation administers multiple scholarship funds that support Colorado students, including opportunities tied to the Denver metro area, specific high schools, majors, or community involvement. Many students find success by applying to foundation-managed umbrella applications when available.
If you live near Denver or attend school in the area, also watch for smaller local funds that may have fewer applicants.
Colorado PTA Scholarships
Colorado PTA scholarships may support students involved in their school communities, with eligibility that can vary by local PTA, district, or program sponsor. These awards can be a strong match for students who demonstrate leadership and community engagement.
Because PTA opportunities can be highly local, check both statewide PTA announcements and your school community’s PTA communications.
SWE Rocky Mountain Engineering Scholarships
SWE Rocky Mountain Engineering Scholarships can support students pursuing engineering or related STEM pathways. Applicants may be evaluated on academics, involvement, and professional goals, especially those aligned with engineering careers.
If you are early in your program, focus on building a clear resume of projects, leadership, and technical interests to strengthen future applications.
Celebrate the West Art Competition
Celebrate the West Art Competition scholarships reward student artists, often recognizing creativity, technique, and artistic voice. These opportunities can be a great fit for students building a portfolio for art school or creative majors.
If you apply, invest time in selecting your strongest work and presenting it professionally, including clear images and thoughtful descriptions where required.
Local and community scholarships in Colorado
Local scholarships can be less competitive because they are limited to a specific city, county, district, or community group in Colorado.
Local scholarships may be offered by:
- Community and regional foundations
- City or county agencies and organizations
- Cultural, heritage, or civic groups
- Labor unions and professional associations
- Local employers and small businesses
Institutional scholarships from Colorado colleges
Many Colorado colleges automatically review applicants for institutional scholarships as part of the admission process, while others require a separate application. These awards may be based on academics, major, leadership, or other factors like talent or special involvement.
Students attending institutions such as the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, or the Community College of Denver may qualify for institutional scholarships through their financial aid offices.
Still exploring your options? You can compare programs, costs, and average financial aid packages with Scout College Search.
Additional financial aid resources in Colorado
Alongside Colorado scholarships, there are programs that function as grants or tuition support rather than traditional scholarships.
Colorado Student Grant
The Colorado Student Grant is a need-based state grant that may help eligible Colorado residents reduce the cost of attendance at participating schools. Because grant eligibility often relies on financial need, completing the FAFSA® early is usually a key step.
If you are unsure whether your school participates or how award amounts are determined, contact your financial aid office for program specifics.
Scholly Scholarships
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Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for Colorado scholarships
Breaking the process into smaller pieces can make applying for scholarships feel more manageable.
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the FAFSA® so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid. For help, check our step-by-step FAFSA® guide.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
Looking for a faster way to get started? With Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, you can use a single application to apply to multiple scholarships at once.
Eligibility requirements for Colorado scholarships
Each program sets its own rules, but many Colorado scholarships share common eligibility requirements, such as:
- Proof of Colorado residency (for certain state and community-based programs)
- Enrollment or planned enrollment at an eligible Colorado college, university, or training program
- Meeting minimum GPA or academic progress standards for merit-based awards
- Choosing a specific major, concentration, or career pathway
- Demonstrating financial need (for need-based scholarships and grants)
- Documented community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
How can I improve my chances of winning scholarships?
- Mix large and small scholarships.
Big awards are appealing, but smaller scholarships often receive fewer applications, and several smaller wins can add up. - Tune your scholarship essays to each opportunity.
Reusing core stories is fine — just tailor your essay so it clearly connects to the scholarship’s mission and values. - Request letters of recommendation early.
Giving teachers, counselors, or supervisors more time usually leads to stronger, more detailed letters. - Showcase your impact.
Highlight long-term involvement, leadership roles, and specific ways you have contributed to your school or community. - Complete the FAFSA® as soon as you can.
Some forms of state and institutional aid are limited and may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
More scholarship resources
Colorado students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
Colorado scholarships can play a major role in making college, grad school, or career training more affordable. By combining state programs, institutional aid, local awards, and private scholarships — and by applying on a regular basis — you can lower how much you need to spend out of pocket or borrow.
To keep your search moving, look at monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and the $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship. These low-effort options can help you start applying, even if you are short on time.
To explore scholarships tailored to your state, background, and interests, search using Scholly Scholarships.
FAQs about Colorado scholarships
What scholarships are available for Colorado students?
Colorado students can explore programs like the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF), promise-style programs, Sachs Foundation scholarships, Denver Foundation scholarship funds, and private awards, along with institutional and local opportunities across the state.
What is the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF)?
The Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) provides an eligible Colorado resident stipend that can be applied toward tuition at participating schools, usually after you authorize it through your college.
What is the Colorado Student Grant?
The Colorado Student Grant is a need-based state grant that may help eligible residents reduce college costs at participating institutions, and many students need to complete the FAFSA® to be considered.
Are there scholarships for low-income students in Colorado?
Yes. Many need-based scholarships and grants use FAFSA® information to determine eligibility. Filing the FAFSA early can help you qualify for more aid.
Are there easy scholarships Colorado students can apply for?
Some scholarships have shorter applications or no essay requirements. You can also look at options like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, which let you apply to multiple scholarships with one streamlined application.
Can I combine Colorado scholarships with college financial aid?
Often, yes. Many students stack private scholarships with institutional awards, but some schools may adjust need-based aid when outside scholarships are added, so check with your financial aid office.
What scholarships are available for Colorado students attending community college?
Community college students can qualify for local scholarships, institutional awards, and some statewide programs depending on enrollment and eligibility. Check your school’s financial aid office and local community organizations for opportunities.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.